Report: The Elysian, Chicago, now Waldorf=Astoria Chicago
Nov 11, 2010, 4:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
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Report: The Elysian, Chicago, now Waldorf=Astoria Chicago
As you all know I recently stayed at the nearly year old Elysian in Chicago. My apologies for the delay in writing and posting this report. As always I give my feedback to hotel management first before posting.
This report will take some more time to write as I am still digesting what I experienced. Let me leave you with this:
This may be THE best hotel in the US currently. It certainly has the potential to become, in my books, THE George V of North America.
More to come in the coming days....
This report will take some more time to write as I am still digesting what I experienced. Let me leave you with this:
This may be THE best hotel in the US currently. It certainly has the potential to become, in my books, THE George V of North America.
More to come in the coming days....
Nov 11, 2010, 5:33 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ons-hotel.html
so far these US city hotels seem the best regarded here >
- lowell NY
- setai miami
then these properties seem the best regarded here >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12050059-post5.html
...
I stayed last month and booked the cheapest rate $299 with $100 credit that could be used toward the rate. Was upgraded to an excellent one bedroom suite. All rooms have fireplaces which is great in the middle of winter. The have Aspley Purple Rain bath products which were very nice. Housekeeping did a good job during the day but, was a little more cursory at turndown. Greated by name at all times by staff after first interaction. Staff trying very hard. Concierge could not get me a last minute reservation for 8:00 at Sundai on a Friday so I had to take care of it myself. Service far stronger then the Pen with a much better physical plant. Reminds me of a less stuffy version of a Rosewood hotel (particullary the Mansion on Peachtree). This will be my preferred Chicago address.
Have been to their bar and restaurant. The bar is nice, but has not been that busy in part because they do not serve food other than the fresh cut potato chips which are really fantastic. Balsam upstaits seems to have attracted a following already. Overall, the facility is really beautiful and based upon what I can see, I it seems they have a strong focus on service. You may have heard about their no tipping policy, except in restaurants. So far, service does not seem to suffer for it.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 16, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Nov 12, 2010, 5:18 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,776
Very much looking forward to this report. I was interested in the Elysian last time I was in Chicago, but could not find enough references to take that over FS (including 3rd night free, FSPP amenities and confirmed Deluxe->FS executive suite at booking).
Nov 12, 2010, 8:59 am
#5
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
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Interesting. I've stayed. Not exactly my experience, but I do find it quite beautifully done.
Nov 12, 2010, 10:34 am
#6
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Thanks!
Nov 12, 2010, 2:16 pm
#7
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Preface
I enjoyed a one night stay at The Elysian on a special Industry rate. I can certainly appreciate that much of the good service I experienced was because I was VIP'd due to the Industry rate. However, I observed the service that was being offered to ALL hotel guests around me and their service was equal if not better than the service I received.
Arrival
I arrived by taxi from the Trump into the Elysian's courtyard entrance which is, when traveling by car, a nice way to arrive at the hotel. Staff immediately removed luggage from the trunk and opened the door warmly welcoming me to the hotel. At this point they did not know who I was. One of the staff asked for my last name which, I presume, was radioed to the other staff as from that point on I was always addressed by name.
I was swiftly escorted to the Reception to check-in which was handled quickly, efficiently, and warmly. My room was not ready yet which was fine as I had a lunch appointment at the Ritz Carlton. The Elysian promised to call me once the room was ready.
As promised, the Elysian called me to let me know the room was ready (while I was touring the new Presidential Suite at the Ritz Carlton).
The Room
I was booked into a Classic Executive Suite and was upgraded into a Deluxe Executive Suite. The hotel has 3 levels for each room type -- Classic, Superior, and Deluxe and all this refers to is where the room is situated in the hotel tower. Classic refers to lower floors, Superior in the middle, and Deluxe on the highest floors.
Here is a link to the room description and floor plan: http://www.elysianhotels.com/accommo...ive-suites.php
One enters the room into an entry foyer with a closet and wet bar to one side and some striking art on the other. This leads into a compact but comfortable sitting area with a coffee table, sofa (which converts into a sofabed), and two arm chairs. A central column separates the bedroom from the living area -- on the living area side is a working gas fireplace with a large HDTV LCD TV above. The bedroom features a king sized bed, two night stands and in the "corridor" between the bedroom and living room by the floor to ceiling window is the work desk. The floor to ceiling window opens up to a miniature Juliet balcomy (it is literally a foot wide). In front of the bed (which would be the back side of the fireplace) is a dresser, another flat screen TV, and the Zeppelin -- an iPod player made by Bowers and Wilkins, a very reputable high end HiFi speaker company. This unit reproduced some of the best sound I have heard from my iPhone.
There is a dressing area and through sliding doors the large bathroom. Dual vanities and deep soaking tub are standard as is a large stall shower and separate and enclosed WC. The mosaic work on the floor of the bathroom is quite impressive and the marble used is the same, apparently, as used on the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Toiletries are Asprey and the bed linens are Rivolta.
About to catch a flight so more to come.....
I enjoyed a one night stay at The Elysian on a special Industry rate. I can certainly appreciate that much of the good service I experienced was because I was VIP'd due to the Industry rate. However, I observed the service that was being offered to ALL hotel guests around me and their service was equal if not better than the service I received.
Arrival
I arrived by taxi from the Trump into the Elysian's courtyard entrance which is, when traveling by car, a nice way to arrive at the hotel. Staff immediately removed luggage from the trunk and opened the door warmly welcoming me to the hotel. At this point they did not know who I was. One of the staff asked for my last name which, I presume, was radioed to the other staff as from that point on I was always addressed by name.
I was swiftly escorted to the Reception to check-in which was handled quickly, efficiently, and warmly. My room was not ready yet which was fine as I had a lunch appointment at the Ritz Carlton. The Elysian promised to call me once the room was ready.
As promised, the Elysian called me to let me know the room was ready (while I was touring the new Presidential Suite at the Ritz Carlton).
The Room
I was booked into a Classic Executive Suite and was upgraded into a Deluxe Executive Suite. The hotel has 3 levels for each room type -- Classic, Superior, and Deluxe and all this refers to is where the room is situated in the hotel tower. Classic refers to lower floors, Superior in the middle, and Deluxe on the highest floors.
Here is a link to the room description and floor plan: http://www.elysianhotels.com/accommo...ive-suites.php
One enters the room into an entry foyer with a closet and wet bar to one side and some striking art on the other. This leads into a compact but comfortable sitting area with a coffee table, sofa (which converts into a sofabed), and two arm chairs. A central column separates the bedroom from the living area -- on the living area side is a working gas fireplace with a large HDTV LCD TV above. The bedroom features a king sized bed, two night stands and in the "corridor" between the bedroom and living room by the floor to ceiling window is the work desk. The floor to ceiling window opens up to a miniature Juliet balcomy (it is literally a foot wide). In front of the bed (which would be the back side of the fireplace) is a dresser, another flat screen TV, and the Zeppelin -- an iPod player made by Bowers and Wilkins, a very reputable high end HiFi speaker company. This unit reproduced some of the best sound I have heard from my iPhone.
There is a dressing area and through sliding doors the large bathroom. Dual vanities and deep soaking tub are standard as is a large stall shower and separate and enclosed WC. The mosaic work on the floor of the bathroom is quite impressive and the marble used is the same, apparently, as used on the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Toiletries are Asprey and the bed linens are Rivolta.
About to catch a flight so more to come.....
Nov 12, 2010, 2:16 pm
#8
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Join Date: Dec 2003
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Here are some photo's I took of the room. I will try to upsize them a little later if I can manage the time.
Last edited by luxury; Nov 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm Reason: Uploaded photos
Nov 14, 2010, 4:11 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 64
I flew out for one night last May to have my birthday dinner at Alinea and also stayed at the Elysian. I absolutely loved it. I also stayed in the Classic Executive Suite. I found the hotel through Jetsetter and as part of a promotion the room was 250.00 before tax, a fantastic discount rate.
I loved the sitting area with the fireplace, the television in the bathroom mirror, the dark colors of the room decor. The bed was insanely comfortable.
And downstairs, the bar makes a terrific Bloody Mary!
I agree, the Elysian is currently the best hotel in Chicago. It makes the Peninsula look like a Holiday Inn.
I loved the sitting area with the fireplace, the television in the bathroom mirror, the dark colors of the room decor. The bed was insanely comfortable.
And downstairs, the bar makes a terrific Bloody Mary!
I agree, the Elysian is currently the best hotel in Chicago. It makes the Peninsula look like a Holiday Inn.
Nov 14, 2010, 12:29 pm
#13
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One lunch for two once per stay exclusive of beverages, taxes and gratuities
Upgrade upon arrival subject to availablity
Nov 14, 2010, 9:07 pm
#15
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